Twisted Flames. Victor J. Banis

world. “Oh, he sells insurance. At least that’s what it says on his income-tax return. Most of his time is spent hopping from one bed to another.”

      Laura blushed at the boldness of the statement. Eve Blair might be married, but it was evident that the marriage was not a very romantic one.

      “What about you, Neil,” Eve was saying, directing her attention once more in his direction. “With that build, you must be an athlete.”

      Neil swelled with noticeable pride although, in his drunken condition, he did not look particularly athletic to Laura.

      “I was,” he answered proudly. “In school. Now I’m an aeronautical engineer. At least that’s what it says on my income-tax return.”

      Eve laughed aloud at that. “Touché,” she answered, lifting her glass in a salute before she drained it. “It sounds terribly intellectual.”

      “Not really. I’m a stress analyst, actually. I look for the weak spots in planes, and make recommendations for the design.”

      Laura remembered the past. How enthusiastic Neil had been about his job when he got it, and how often and long he had talked about it! It occurred to her that he had scarcely mentioned it at all since she had arrived in Los Angeles.

      Eve stood, stretching her shoulders lazily.

      “I won’t make a pest of myself, not just yet. Incidentally, if you should be bored with one another’s company, we’re having a little get-together for the neighbors tonight. Nothing fancy, just the typical all-American barbecue. Feel welcome to join us.”

      “Thank you,” Laura said, standing also. “We won’t be bored with one another, but we’d love to come. It would give us a chance to meet our neighbors.”

      “Don’t thank me until you’ve met them,” Eve told her, starting toward the back door. “You may regret the decision. I’m in the house next door—but you’ll see us gathered joyously about the patio. Come whenever you feel up to it.”

      Laura moved impulsively to show her out, but Eve waved away the gesture with a brisk sweep of her hand.

      “I know the way. This house is exactly like mine, you know.”

      With that, she was gone. Laura found herself staring after the woman. Her initial reaction to Eve’s visit had been one of gratitude and pleasure. She had been happy to learn that her neighbors were the friendly, sociable sort.

      Now, with the visit concluded, her feelings were mixed. Eve Blair impressed her as altogether too friendly, and not in a mere neighborly way. Laura wondered about the others. The evening, she concluded, should be interesting, if nothing else.